If you have arthritis, you know that the pain and discomfort can vary from day to day. You can manage symptoms with a treatment program set by your doctor, but you can also employ some at-home remedies to help you handle flare-ups. Here are some simple solutions that can help make a big difference.
1. Massage
Massage can help with inflammation and soothing sore areas. If you use essential oils, choose an oil that can reduce inflammation. Popular oils include lavender and wintergreen. The combination of soothing massage and essential oils can make a big difference when you're trying to keep your symptoms under control.
2. Warm Saltwater Bath
Epsom salts can be soothing to your body because they contain magnesium. Fill a tub with warm water and add salts to the bath. If heat does not aggravate your arthritis, the effects of the salt and the water can soothe inflammation because the water also takes some of the pressure off sore joints. If your doctor thinks it is okay, you might consider taking frequent trips to your local pool to sit in the hot tub, because many people find that the warm water can provide a source of relief.
3. Take magnesium supplements
If your doctor says it is safe, you can increase the magnesium in your diet. Magnesium is a mineral that can help keep your muscles and nerves healthy. A magnesium supplement can often help reduce the pain of arthritis. Other sources of magnesium can include dark chocolate, fish, nuts, beans, and leafy greens. A healthy diet is rarely deficient in magnesium, but if you do not eat foods that are fortified or that naturally contain the mineral, your symptoms can get worse.
4. Exercise
Pain in your joints can mean you don't like the idea of trying to work out. Some types of workouts can be aggravating to arthritis, but others can be very beneficial. Swimming is excellent because it helps take the weight off of sore joints. If you don't have a swimming pool, you might try walking daily or riding a bike. Strength training can be good for bone and muscle development. Keep a workout journal to track which exercises seem to help your symptoms and which exercises seem to make things a little worse. Don't forget to clear any workout program with your doctor.
For more information, visit a medical clinic like Arthritis Associates of Kingsport near you to see a doctor experienced in treating arthritis.
Share22 August 2017
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